Anthony Ynique "Cat" Barber (born July 25, 1994) is an American professional basketball player for Cibona Zagreb of the Croatian League and the ABA League. He played three seasons of college basketball for NC State, where he earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors as a junior.

Cat Barber
Barber with NC State in March 2015
No. 12 – Cibona
PositionPoint guard
LeagueCroatian League
ABA League
Personal information
Born (1994-07-25) July 25, 1994 (age 30)
Hampton, Virginia, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Listed weight174 lb (79 kg)
Career information
High schoolHampton (Hampton, Virginia)
CollegeNC State (2013–2016)
NBA draft2016: undrafted
Playing career2016–present
Career history
2016–2017Delaware 87ers
2017Greensboro Swarm
2017New Basket Brindisi
2017–2018Greensboro Swarm
2018Ironi Nahariya
2018–2019Greensboro Swarm
2019Erie BayHawks
2019Ironi Nahariya
2019–2020College Park Skyhawks
2021Mitteldeutscher BC
2021Guelph Nighthawks
2021–2022College Park Skyhawks
2021–2022Atlanta Hawks
2022Guelph Nighthawks
2022BC Budivelnyk
2022–2023College Park Skyhawks
2023Scarborough Shooting Stars
2023–2024Porto
2024Scarborough Shooting Stars
2024–presentCibona
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

High school career

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Barber grew up in the same area of Virginia as National Basketball Association (NBA) star Allen Iverson.[1] Barber has even drawn comparisons to the former superstar in both his appearance and style of play.[2] A standout player for Hampton High School, Barber averaged 21.0 points per game in his sophomore campaign.[3] In 2011, Barber was named to the All-Eastern Region's first team in the Peninsula District as the only underclassman.[3] Barber led his school to a 27–6 record and a Virginia State Title in 2012. During his championship junior season, Barber averaged 21.3 points per game, earning him Class AAA Player of the Year honors.[4] His senior year solidified his legacy at Hampton, posting a 22–6 record and averaging 20.2 points per game.[4] He finished his high school career with 2,097 points total. During his high school years, Barber played AAU basketball under Boo Williams.

Barber was selected to the McDonald's All American Game.[4] The 2013 McDonald's All-American Boys Game was held in Chicago's United Center where Barber recorded 11 points, 4 assists and 2 steals.[2] Barber was also able to capture a bronze medal in the 2012 Nike Global Challenge.[4]

College career

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Barber was ranked fourth among point guards in the 2013 recruiting class, and was a highly coveted recruit.[5] On September 15, 2012, Barber signed with North Carolina State University to play for the N.C. State basketball team after being recruited by assistant coach, Rob Moxley.[6] In his recruitment process, Barber also looked at attending the University of Kansas or the University of Alabama.

In 2015–16, Barber was named first-team All-ACC and led the conference with averages of 24 points and 39 minutes played per game. He was also named to the 35-man midseason watchlist for the Naismith Trophy.[7] Over the course of his three seasons with the Wolfpack, he appeared in 104 games and posted averages of 15 points, four assists and three rebounds in 31 minutes per game. Barber finished his college career ranking 13th all time in NC State history in scoring with 1,507 points in just 3 years.[8]

On March 22, 2016, Barber declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final year of college eligibility.[9]

Professional career

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Delaware 87ers (2016–2017)

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After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft, Barber joined the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2016 NBA Summer League.[10] On August 31, 2016, he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers,[11] but was waived on October 24 after appearing in two preseason games.[12] Five days later, he was acquired by the Delaware 87ers of the NBA Development League as an affiliate player of the 76ers.

Greensboro Swarm (2017)

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On February 3, 2017, Barber was traded to the Charlotte Hornets affiliate Greensboro Swarm in exchange for guard Aaron Harrison.[13]

New Basket Brindisi (2017)

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On July 26, 2017, Barber signed with New Basket Brindisi in Italy.[14] On November 21, 2017, he parted ways with Brindisi after appearing in seven games.[15]

Return to the Swarm (2017–2018)

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On November 29, 2017, Barber returned to the Greensboro Swarm for a second stint.[16] In 29 games played for the Swarm, Barber averaged 16.9 points, 4.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.

Ironi Nahariya (2018)

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On March 27, 2018, Barber signed with the Israeli team Ironi Nahariya for the rest of the season.[17] On April 25, 2018, Barber recorded a season-high 25 points, shooting 5-of-8 from three-point range, along with five assists in a 77–81 loss to Hapoel Gilboa Galil.[18]

Third stint with the Swarm (2018–2019)

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For the 2018–19 season, Barber re-joined the Greensboro Swarm.

Erie BayHawks (2019)

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On February 21, 2019, Barber was traded to the Erie BayHawks for John Gillon.[19]

Return to Ironi Nahariya (2019)

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On March 28, 2019, Barber returned to Ironi Nahariya for a second stint, signing for the rest of the season.[20] On April 15, 2019, Barber recorded a career-high 36 points, shooting 11-of-22 from the field, along with three rebounds and two assists in a 93–96 overtime loss to Hapoel Gilboa Galil.[21] In 10 games played for Nahariya, he averaged 16.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

College Park Skyhawks (2019–2020)

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On November 8, 2019, Barber returned to the G League to play for the College Park Skyhawks.[22] He was named G League player of the week on February 3, 2020, after averaging 26 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in three games.[23] He posted 29 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals in a loss to the Raptors 905 on March 10.[24]

Mitteldeutscher BC (2021)

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On February 18, 2021, Barber signed with Mitteldeutscher BC of the German Basketball Bundesliga.[25]

Guelph Nighthawks (2021)

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On April 15, 2021, Barber signed with the Guelph Nighthawks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League.[26]

Atlanta Hawks / Return to College Park (2021–2022)

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In October 2021, Barber rejoined the College Park Skyhawks.[27] In 14 games, averaged 13.1 points, a team-high 5.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game (.445 FG%, .367 3FG%, .759 FT%).[28]

On December 25, 2021, Barber signed a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks.[28] and was re-acquired by College Park on January 4.[29]

Return to the Nighthawks (2022)

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On May 12, 2022, Barber was reacquired by the Guelph Nighthawks.[30]

Budivelnyk (2022)

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On August 11, 2022, Barber signed with BC Budivelnyk of the European North Basketball League.[31]

Third stint with College Park (2022–2023)

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On December 27, 2022, Barber was reacquired by the College Park Skyhawks.[32]

Scarborough Shooting Stars (2023)

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On April 11, 2023, Barber signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars.[33] Barber would finish the season as the CEBL's all-time leading scorer with 1108 career points while also winning the CEBL Championship with the Shooting Stars that season.[34]

Porto (2023–2024)

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On July 16, 2023, Barber signed with Porto of the Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol.[35]

Return to Scarborough (2024)

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On April 24, 2024, Barber re-signed with the Shooting Stars,[34] but due to his overseas commitments, he would only be able to rejoin the team on June 21, 2024.[36] On July 13, 2024, Barber scored the last 24 points for the Shooting Stars in a 103–92 win over the Edmonton Stingers to set a new CEBL record for most consecutive points scored for a team in a game.[37][38]

Cibona (2024–present)

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On September 6, 2024, Barber signed with Cibona of the Croatian League and the ABA League.[39]

Personal life

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The son of Pamela Barber, he has an older sister[4] and a daughter.[40] He majored in social work.[4]

Barber's older sister, Pam, is credited with giving him the moniker "Cat" due to his quick and agile movements as a child.[41]

Career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played  MPG  Minutes per game  FG%  Field goal percentage
 3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage  RPG  Rebounds per game
 APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game  BPG  Blocks per game
 PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high     Led the league
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2021–22 Atlanta 3 0 4.3 .000 .000 1.0 1.0 .0 .0 .0
Career 3 0 4.3 .000 .000 1.0 1.0 .0 .0 .0

College

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2013–14 NC State 36 18 24.2 .401 .261 .696 2.0 3.5 .6 .0 8.5
2014–15 NC State 35 33 31.7 .439 .380 .733 3.3 3.7 .8 .0 12.1
2015–16 NC State 33 33 38.7 .434 .361 .865 4.6 4.5 .6 .1 23.5
Career 104 84 31.3 .428 .347 .793 3.3 3.9 .7 .0 14.5

References

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  1. ^ "Freshmen Orientation: Anthony Barber". May 31, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  2. ^ a b Skrbina, Paul (April 4, 2013). "Hampton's Barber stands out in McDonald's All-American game". DailyPress.com. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Region honors Big Cat". DailyPress.com. Daily Press. March 2, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Anthony 'Cat' Barber – 2015–16 Men's Basketball". GoPack.com. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
  5. ^ "Anthony Barber at ScoutHoops". Scout.com. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  6. ^ "Anthony Barber at Rivals.com". Rivals.com. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  7. ^ Payne, Terrence (February 11, 2016). "Naismith Trophy midseason list announced". Fox Sports. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  8. ^ "NC State Men's Basketball Records". SCACCHoops.com. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  9. ^ "BARBER DECLARES FOR NBA DRAFT". GoPack.com. March 22, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  10. ^ "Pelicans Announce 2016 Samsung NBA Summer League Roster and Mini-Camp Schedule". NBA.com. July 2, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  11. ^ "Sixers Sign Anthony "Cat" Barber". NBA.com. August 31, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  12. ^ "Sixers Waive Five Players". NBA.com. October 24, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
  13. ^ "SEVENS INVITE 13 PLAYERS TO TRAINING CAMP". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. October 29, 2016. Archived from the original on November 3, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  14. ^ "La point guard Anthony 'Cat' Barber firma con l'Enel Basket Brindisi". New Basket Brindisi (in Italian). July 26, 2017. Archived from the original on July 28, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
  15. ^ "Brindisi, Cat Barber part ways". Sportando.com. November 21, 2017. Retrieved November 21, 2017.
  16. ^ "Charlotte Hornets: Cat Barber rejoins the Greensboro Swarm". swarmandsting.com. November 29, 2017. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  17. ^ "Cat Barber joins Ironi Nahariya". Sportando.com. March 27, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2018.[permanent dead link]
  18. ^ "Winner League, Game 24: Gilboa Galil Vs Nahariya". basket.co.il. April 25, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  19. ^ "Erie BayHawks Complete Trade With Greensboro Swarm". NBA.com. February 21, 2019. Archived from the original on February 23, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  20. ^ "החתול חוזר: בארבר חתם בעירוני נהריה". basket.co.il (in Hebrew). March 28, 2019. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  21. ^ "Winner League, Game 27: Gilboa Galil Vs Nahariya". basket.co.il. April 15, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
  22. ^ "College Park Skyhawks Announce Opening Night Roster". OurSportsCentral.com. November 8, 2019. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
  23. ^ "Cat Barber named G League player of the week". The Technician. February 6, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  24. ^ "Cat Barber: Leads team in scoring". CBS Sports. March 11, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  25. ^ "Anthony 'Cat' Barber joins SYNTAINICS MBC". Sportando. February 18, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  26. ^ "Guelph Nighthawks Sign NBA G League Guard, Cat Barber". CEBL.ca. April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  27. ^ "College Park Skyhawks fall in preseason scrimmage". Clayton News-Daily. October 30, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  28. ^ a b "Hawks Sign Cat Barber and Malik Ellison to 10-day Contracts". NBA.com. December 25, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  29. ^ "2021–22 NBA G League transactions". NBA.com. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  30. ^ "GUELPH NIGHTHAWKS ANNOUNCE 2022 TRAINING CAMP ROSTER PRESENTED BY GOODLIFE FITNESS". TheNighthawks.ca. May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  31. ^ Skerletic, Dario (August 11, 2022). "Anthony 'Cat' Barber signs with BC Budivelnyk". Sportando. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  32. ^ "2022–23 NBA G League Transactions". gleague.nba.com. December 27, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  33. ^ "Scarborough Shooting Stars Sign American Point Guard Cat Barber". CEBL.ca. April 11, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  34. ^ a b "Scarborough Shooting Stars Sign American Point Guard Cat Barber". CEBL.ca. April 24, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  35. ^ "ANTHONY BARBER REFORÇA A EQUIPA DE BASQUETEBOL". FCPorto.pt (in Portuguese). July 16, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  36. ^ "Honey Badgers seek 1st win in 5 games against provincial rival Shooting Stars". ScarboroughShootingStars.ca. June 21, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  37. ^ "Honey Badgers seek 1st win in 5 games against provincial rival Shooting Stars". CEBL.ca. July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  38. ^ "CEBL Record 24-Straight Points Cat Barber July 13 vs. Edmonton Stingers" (video). youtube.com. Canadian Elite Basketball League. July 13, 2024.
  39. ^ KK Cibona (September 6, 2024). "🔵 Introducing the third part of the Cibona roster for the season 2024/25! 🔵". Facebook.com. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  40. ^ Sanborn, Owen (May 30, 2016). "Phoenix Suns Pre-Draft Workouts Day 7: Let's Play Two". BrightSideOfTheSun.com. SB-Nation. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
  41. ^ "Needed Right Away". NCAA.com. August 6, 2013. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
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